Johnson Fast in Indy Mile Timed Qualifying

By Larry Lawrence | 9/13/2008 12:00 AM

INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 13, 2008) – Jake Johnson rode his factory Suzuki to the fastest time in timed qualifying for tonight’s Lucas Oil Indy Mile. Johnson rode to a lap time of 38.565 seconds on the famous mile oval.

Veteran Chris Carr was second with a 38.634 on his Chris Carr Racing Harley-Davidson. Joe Kopp, coming off a disappointing race last weekend in Monticello, N.Y., where he failed to qualify, is back on pace with a time of 38.686 seconds.

“The wetter and the deeper the better for me,” said Johnson of the track conditions. “It’s probably going to change as the night goes on, but we should be able to run well in about any condition.”

Johnson, and teammate JR Schnabel, are trying to give Suzuki its first victory on a Grand National Mile.

“I went out in that first session and it was basically wide open all the way around,” Johnson added. “It’s the most fun track I’ve been on in quite awhile.”

Johnson says Suzuki is ready for a big breakthrough.

“We’ve been knocking on the door for a long time,” Johnson said. “Hopefully the track will stay nice and we have a good night of racing.”

Road racer Larry Pegram had some tough luck. His motorcycle blew up in qualifying. He’s scrambling to get a back-up motor.